According to Digitimes, the PCB industry is unlikely to invest heavily in new equipment in the short term unless the end market has a significant recovery. In addition to Taiwan PCB makers, China-based ones that had been aggressively increasing capacity to gain market shares over the past few years have also decelerated their expansion recently.

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On April 14, IPC president and CEO, Dr. John Mitchell, described IPC’s ongoing efforts related to COVID-19 with I-Connect007 Publisher Barry Matties. From a standpoint approximately 30 days into the U.S. shutdown, Mitchell reported that 94% of the executives attending the executive forum are expressing concern. He also outlined many of the chaotic drivers and influences in the industry, including shifting over to different, mandated products; supply shortages; potential declining demand for normal products; and increased shipping costs. Worker and staffing shortages have also become an emerging concern.

Brendan F. Hogan, managing director of MivaTek, explains that while each industry has its own set of requirements and difficulties, the lines between semiconductor and PCB markets are blurring, demanding more flexibility from equipment suppliers.

The annual HKPCA Show, which has been renamed the 2019 International Electronics Circuit Exhibition (Shenzhen), will be held from December 4–6 at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center. This year’s exhibition will be jointly organized by the Hong Kong Printed Circuit Association (HKPCA) and the China Printed Circuit Association (CPCA) and will provide a more efficient business platform for all visitors. The PCB007 China Team interviewed a representative from the HKPCA about the exhibition, the industry’s current situation, and future developments.

Asian PCB Makers Deferring New Equipment Installation

According to Digitimes, the PCB industry is unlikely to invest heavily in new equipment in the short term unless the end market has a significant recovery. In addition to Taiwan PCB makers, China-based ones that had been aggressively increasing capacity to gain market shares over the past few years have also decelerated their expansion recently.